WO2005059661A1

WO2005059661A1 - An article, in particular a container that includes a hologram

Info

Publication number: WO2005059661A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/004133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aline Abergel
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2003-12-16
Filing date: 2004-12-15
Publication date: 2005-06-30
Also published as: FR2863730B1; FR2863730A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an article (1) comprising a hologram (6) suitable for generating a holographic image of a wall, creating the illusion that the wall belongs to the article.

Description

AN ARTICLE, IN PARTICULAR A CONTAINER THAT INCLUDES A

HOLOGRAM The present invention relates to articles that include a hologram. Japanese patent application JP 9-226770 discloses placing a hologram on the outside of a flask, such a hologram serving, for example, to contribute to the appearance of the flask and/or serving as a security element enabling ±ts origin to be authenticated. European patent application EP 0 403 134 discloses a case for receiving a flask, the case having a window on which a transparent hologram is fixed. US patent application US 2000/0029501 describes a flask into which a. hologram has been inserted. Contact between the hologram and the substance present in the flask complicates manufacture thereof, since the material of the hologram must be compatible with the components of the substance. In addition, the incident light that is used to reproduce the holographic image is refracted on passing through the liquid, contained in the flask, and that can spoil the image and make it dependent on the degree to which the flask is full. US patent No. 6 044 970 discloses a box with a holographic label stuck thereon. By way of example, the label produces an image in section of a golf ball contained in the box. There exists a need to increase the attractiveness of containers, particularly those used for packaging cosmetics, including care products, without thereby excessively complicating manufacture thereof or imposing restrictions as tre nature of the packaged substances. Amongst other things, the invention seeks to satisfy that need. In one of its aspects, the invention thus provides an article including a hologram suitable for generating a holographic image of a wall, creating the illusion that the wall belongs to the article. The term "holographic image" is used to designate an image capable, at least under certain lighting conditions, of reproducing three-dimensional aspects of a scene, where appropriate with shadows and/or reflections and with an effect of depth. The term "hologram" is used to designate any type of hologram capable of reproducing a holographic image under certain lighting conditions. By way of example the hologram may be a volume hologram, and transparent, unlike "rainbow" holograms which are a special case of transmission holograms. Rainbow holograms have a rear reflecting surface. By way of example, the hologram may be a Lippmann hologram. In particular, the hologram may be a reflection hologram capable of reproducing an image in white light, in color or not in color. The term "reflection hologram" is used to designate a hologram in which the recorded information can be acquired, for example, by using the technique described on page 23 of the publication "Holography Market Place",

8th edition, published by Alan Rhody and Franz Ross. The hologram may also be a synthesized hologram, obtained by computer calculation. The hologram may be adapted to generate an image of an object in addition to the wall. For example, the hologram may be suitable for generating an image of the object that is at least partially behind the wall. The hologram may also be adapted to generate an image of the object at least partially outside the article. The hologram may be suitable for creating the illusion of a pattern extending rearwards, beyond the article. By means of the invention, it is possible in particular to give the impression that an object is present inside the article, for example behind a wall thereof, but without thereby encountering the problems associated with including the hologram inside the article, as is above-cited application US 2000/0029501. By way of example, the holographic image of the wall may be made visible by the presence of reflections, of distortion in the image of the object, or in a lens effect or a refraction effect, giving the observer the impression that the wall exists and that the object is placed behind it, for example. In the absence of a holographic image of the wall, an observer observing the holographic image could have the impression of there being a hole through the article. The hologram may be on the outside of the article, thus making it possible to avoid contact with its content. The hologram may be placed on an outside face of the article, in particular on a face that is substantially plane. The hologram may be fitted on a wall of the article, for example by means of adhesive. The hologram may also be made at least in part using the wall of the article, said wall serving as a medium for supporting an emulsion, for example. The wall of the article carrying the hologram may be at least partially transparent, and in particular it may be completely transparent. The hologram may be substantially transparent under lighting and/or observation conditions in which the holographic image is not reproduced. The article may be hollow. In particular, the article may constitute at least part of a container, in particular a bottle, a flask, a glass, a case, a tube, a package, or a stopper. The article may contain a liquid, in particular a transparent liquid, e.g. a perfume. The holographic image may be arranged to evoke a characteristic of the substance contained inside the article, for example its shape, its color, its odor, or its composition. In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of taking a picture, the method including the following steps, - acquiring a holographic image of a setting and of a wall that is at least partially transparent. The at least partly transparent wall may be part of a model of an article, in particular of a container. The model may correspond substantially to a portion of the container, and in particular to one-half thereof. The setting may comprise an object placed behind the said wall, or in a variant placed in front of said wall, or indeed on either side of the wall. A space between the wall and the object may be filled with a liquid, where appropriate. The model may be transparent. In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of making a hologram, the method comprising the following steps: - exposing a photosensitive emulsion under conditions that enable it to record a holographic image using a picture-taking method as defined above; and - making a hologram from the emulsion as exposed in this way. Where appropriate, the hologram can serve as a master hologram in order to enable copies to be made. In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of manufacturing an article, in particular a container, the method comprising the following steps: - making a hologram directly on the article, using the picture-taking method defined above; or - making the hologram separately from the article by using the picture-taking method defined above, and then fitting it on the article, or making a copy from a master hologram and fitting the copy to the article. The invention also provides a method of promoting the sale of an article, in particular a cosmetic article, the method comprising exposing the article to lighting conditions that are selected in such a manner as to enable the public to observe the image generated by the hologram. The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawing, in which: - Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing part of an article including a hologram in accordance with the invention; - Figure 2 is a diagram showing part of a method of taking a picture in accordance with the invention; - Figures 3 to 5 show various configurations of the object and the model during acquisition; and - Figures 6 to 10 are diagrams of other examples of articles provided with respective holograms. Figure 1 shows an article 1 comprising a body 2 made of a transparent material, for example glass or a plastics material, and possibly colored. In Figure 1, the article constitutes a flask for containing a cosmetic such as a perfume, for example. The flask has a neck 3 suitable for being closed by a stopper (not shown) . The body 2 presents a face 5 that is substantially plane, being covered on the outside by a hologram 6, which hologram is arranged to generate a holographic image of a scene which, in the example shown, is made up of an object 10 placed behind a transparent wall, thereby creating the illusion that the object is inside the flask. In the example described, the hologram 6 is fitted, e.g. by means of adhesive, onto the flask, with the holographic image being present on the film prior to the film being secured to the flask. In a variant, the hologram can be made in situ, e.g. by exposing a holographic photosensitive emulsion deposited on the face 5 of the flask in appropriate manner, and then developing the emulsion, and where appropriate applying a protective film. The holographic image to be recorded in the hologram 6 can be acquired as shown in the diagram of Figure 2, for example. As shown in Figure 3, the object 10 is placed behind a model 11 that is illuminated by light produced by a laser 12. The beam 13 generated by the laser is reflected by a first semitransparent mirror 14 to a second mirror 15, and is then directed by a lens 16 onto the scene of which a holographic image is to be acquired, i.e. onto the object 10 placed behind the model 11, which model includes a transparent front wall 17. The other portion 18 of the beam that passes through the mirror 14 is reflected by a set of mirrors 19 and 20 to a lens 21 which illuminates the scene through a holographic photosensitive emulsion 22. The light paths are selected appropriately. Reference can be made to the above-cited publication "Holography Market Place" for a description of techniques concerning the acquisition of holographic images, and also to numerous existing works, and in particular the work entitled "The complete book of holograms, how they work and how to make them", by Joseph E. Kasper and Steven A. Feller, Dover Publication, Inc., Mineola, New York, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The holographic emulsion 22 may, for example, comprise a silver-based emulsion, a bichromatic gelatin, or a photopolymer, this list not being limiting. Examples of photosensitive emulsions can be found by referring to US patents Nos. 4 258 111 and 4 720 441 and to European patent application EP 0 980 025, for example. In the example described, the model 11 is entirely transparent and the object 10 is placed entirely behind its front wall 17. By way of example, the model 11 may be a replica of a portion of the article 1 that is to receive the hologram 6. In the example of Figure 3, the model 11 thus constitutes substantially the replica of the front portion of a flask, e.g. the front half thereof, with the object 10 being held in position by suitable means that do not appear in the holographic image, for example because they are hidden by the object 10. Naturally, the object 10 can be placed differently relative to the model 11, and in particular it could be placed in front of it as shown in Figure 4, or it could be placed as shown in Figure 5 so as to be partially included in the front wall 17 and pass through it, e.g. via an opening 23. The object 10 shown in Figures 3 to 5 may naturally be replaced by any setting, in particular a setting of dimensions greater than those of the article that is to receive the hologram 6. Once exposed, the holographic emulsion 22 can be developed and can serve as a master hologram for making copies. In a variant, the holographic emulsion 22 is carried by a suitable substrate and, after development, constitutes at least part of the hologram 6, which is subsequently fixed on the corresponding article. In another variant, the holographic emulsion 22 is carried by the article itself. The hologram 6 may also be fixed on the body of a flask, e.g. on a face of a stopper 24, as shown in Figure 6. The hologram 6 may also be associated with an article 1 that constitutes a container other than a flask, for example a case as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The case shown in these figures has a lid 30 and contains a block of substance 31, for example. By way of example, the hologram 6 may be fixed on the top face of the lid 30, as shown in Figure 8, and may be slightly convex. The lid 30 may be transparent or non-transparent. If it is not transparent, the hologram 6 may give an observer the impression that the case has a transparent window with an object placed behind it. In particular, the holographic image may represent an object that is actually present in the case, for example a cake of content 31. This can then give an observer the impression of seeing through the lid, thereby creating an additional esthetic effect. In order to acquire the holographic image when the hologram 6 is situated on a non-transparent wall of the article, the model 11 used may be a replica of the article and made of a material that is transparent. Figure 9 shows that it is possible to provide a cardboard case or box, e.g. packaging, with a hologram 6 on one of its faces. By way of reference, the hologram 6 may generate a holographic image of a replica of an object contained inside the box. Figure 10 shows the possibility of providing a lipstick case with a hologram 6, it being understood that the invention also applies to other kinds of container. The conditions under which the holographic image can be reproduced depend on the technique used for acquiring it. It is preferable to use a technique that enables the holographic image to be reproduced in white light, e.g. sunlight, or the light emitted by an incandescent lamp. Where appropriate, it is also possible to use light from a laser. An article carrying a hologram made in accordance with the invention can be placed at a point of sale, under lighting conditions such that the holographic image can be seen by a large number of people. Throughout the description, including in the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. An article (1) including a hologram (6) suitable for generating a holographic image of a wall (17) , creating the illusion that the wall belongs to the article.

2. An article according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram is suitable for generating an image of an object (10) .

3. An article according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is suitable for generating an image of the object at least in part behind the wall (17) .

4. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is suitable for generating an image of the object at least in part outside the article.

5. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is suitable for creating the illusion of a setting extending rewards, beyond the article.

6. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is a reflection hologram.

7. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is hollow.

8. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is placed on an outside face (5) of the article.

9. An article according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the face (5) is substantially plane.

10. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is fitted onto a wall of the article.

11. An article according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is secured to the wall of the article by adhesive.

12. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is made at least in part with the wall of the article.

13. An article according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the wall of the article carrying the hologram (6) is at least partially transparent.

14. An article according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the hologram (6) is substantially transparent, when under lighting or observation conditions in which the holographic image is not reproduced.

15. An article according to any preceding claim, constituting at least part of a container, in particular a bottle, a flask, a glass, a case, a tube, a package, or a stopper.

16. An article according to claim 15, containing a liquid, in particular a transparent liquid.

17. A method of taking a picture, the method including the following step: - acquiring a holographic image of a setting and a wall (17) that is at least partially transparent.

18. A method according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that the at least partially transparent wall (17) belongs to a model (11) .

19. A method according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the model constitutes a replica of the article (1) that is to receive a hologram (6) suitable for reproducing the holographic image.

20. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized by the fact that the setting comprises an object (10) placed behind the wall (17) .

21. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized by the fact that the setting comprises an object (10) placed in front of the wall.

22. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized by the fact that the setting comprises an object (10) extending on either side of the wall.

23. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized by the fact that a space between the wall (17) and the object (10) is filled with a liquid.

24. A method according to claim 18, characterized Joy the fact that the model (11) corresponds substantially to a portion of a container, and in particular to one-half thereof.

25. A method of making a hologram, the method comprising the following steps: - exposing a photosensitive emulsion (22) under conditions that enable it to record a holographic image, in accordance with the picture-taking method as defined in any one of claims 17 to 24; and - using the emulsion (22) to make a hologram (6) suitable for reproducing the image.

26. A method of manufacturing an article, the method including the following steps: - making a hologram (6) directly on the article (1) by the method of claim 25; or - making the hologram (6) by the method of claim 25, separately from the article (1) , and then fitting it on the article, or making a copy from a master hologram and fitting the copy on the article.